Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements – Stationary implement with material supply
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-20
2001-08-07
Chin, Randall E. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
Stationary implement with material supply
C015S104940, C015S088100, C015S160000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06269512
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to cleaning apparatus, and more particularly, to apparatus adapted for cleaning of handles and grips of golf clubs and like items.
2. Description of Prior Art
As is well known, the gripping portions of golf clubs, tennis rackets, and like items become sticky, greasy and generally dirty after use and over a period of time. Some golf enthusiasts even suggest that their golf game is affected by a dirty grip (see e.g., Matlock, U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,277). Thus, there is a recognized need for grip and handle washers, and there are multiple prior patents disclosing a variety of prior grip washer arrangements.
However, the prior grip washers tend to be relatively complicated, and correspondingly, relatively expensive.
For example, grip washers with motorized brushes for cleaning grips and handles are disclosed in Nye, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,696; Osborn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,230; and Bubien, U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,892.
Other rather complicated grip washer arrangements are disclosed in Caradonna, U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,839; Kinnebrew, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,510.
One relatively recent prior patent recognizing and attempting to solve many of the difficulties of complexity and expense associated with other prior grip washers is Matlock U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,277. Briefly, Matlock discloses a tubular grip washer with sets of stacked radial brushes and spacers for cleaning grips and handles. Unfortunately, however, although Matlock resolves some of the issues of other prior grip washers, the Matlock grip washer is still relatively complicated and expensive in the multitude of stacked parts required, and does not lend itself to ease of assembly or disassembly for cleaning and/or brush replacement purposes.
Thus, it is clear the need for a simple and relatively inexpensive, yet effective grip washer remains unfulfilled by prior grip washers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The general aim of the present invention is to provide a new and improved grip washer comprising relatively few parts, which is easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning and part replacement purposes, and which is readily adapted for a variety of modified embodiments.
Briefly, a preferred grip washer includes a tubular body having a closed lower end for holding cleaning fluid and an open upper end for receiving the grips or handles to be cleaned longitudinally therein. Cleaning is effected by a single helical brush with multiple turns that is simply threaded into position in the body. A splash guard is also provided, such as a second helical brush of a single turn threaded into the body and spaced above the cleaning brush. A cap may optionally be provided to close the top of the grip washer when not in use or for transportation from one place to another. The simple tubular construction enables the grip washer adapted for use as a mobile unit, or to be used with a base for a free-standing unit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3224029 (1965-12-01), Domingos
patent: 3608120 (1971-09-01), Seiler
patent: 4380839 (1983-04-01), Caradonna
patent: 4473917 (1984-10-01), Britton
patent: 4554696 (1985-11-01), Nye, Jr.
patent: 4734952 (1988-04-01), Parchment et al.
patent: 4750230 (1988-06-01), Osborn
patent: 4821358 (1989-04-01), Wyckoff et al.
patent: 4897892 (1990-02-01), Bubien
patent: 4944063 (1990-07-01), Jordan
patent: 4946510 (1990-08-01), Kinnebrew, II et al.
patent: 4953999 (1990-09-01), Rivers
patent: 5094557 (1992-03-01), Nelson et al.
patent: 5269615 (1993-12-01), Lewis, Jr.
patent: 5664277 (1997-09-01), Matlock
patent: 1 183 885 (1964-12-01), None
Thomson Dearl
Thorstens Dale
Woodworth Donn
Chin Randall E.
Frantz Keith
LandOfFree
Grip washer does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Grip washer, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Grip washer will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2498218